THE POWER TO MOVE
Premiered June 2025
For five years, Thomas Quiter was trapped in his house because insurance denied the wheelchair he needed to get outside. After a multi-year journey, Thomas, along with a team of engineers and disability community advocates, is unveiling open-source wheelchair technology. This will give wheelchair users access to the equipment and repairs they need without bureaucratic delays and denials.
Thomas is jump-starting an overdue movement: removing the barriers that prevent the disabled community from living truly independent lives.
01-31
Charlotte, North Carolina
FIND Past & UPCOMING SCREENINGS
Accolades
Join the Movement.
Because power — the power to move, to work, to live fully — should be for everyone.We believe that independence shouldn’t be limited by your ability to afford expensive, proprietary technology. That’s why The MIF focuses on community-driven, open-source solutions designed by a remote team of engineers, disability experts, designers, and builders.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
“The Power To Move: The Long Overdue Fight for Mobility Independence” is a project of the The Mobility Independence Foundation, highlighting the story behind our organization, the backstory of our founders, and showcasing the widespread support surrounding our efforts.
The Mobility Independence Foundation (dubbed “MIF”) is a 501c3 non-profit technology foundation dedicated to producing and distributing open-source accessibility technology that will improve the lives of people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society by providing accessible, open-source designs and products that meet the diverse needs of users with limited mobility.
Our mission is clear: to foster a more independent society. One where everyone who needs it will be able to access quality mobility technology. Through releasing open-source designs and providing equipment, we aim to empower individuals with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROJECT
About Tom: Thomas was born in 1983 with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, at a time when the disorder was barely understood. He always advocates for himself and others with disabilities, stating “I do nothing if it doesn’t benefit others.” It was around the year 2015 when he was denied an adequate wheelchair. This was despite coverage by Medicaid and the best private insurance available in NY. A crowdfunded used wheelchair provided by his community was the solution. Having been told he should discard a $65,000 custom wheelchair over a 2 inch part, he knows firsthand why open source mobility equipment is the next step in the industry. It subverts restrictive IP law and enables the right to repair.
About Devin: I serve as president and lead engineer at RapAdapt, where my team develops custom adaptive solutions for people with disabilities. I studied Mechanical Engineering Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where I honed my engineering and problem-solving skills. After RIT, I worked in the field as an engineer on a wide range of projects. I hold 2 US patents on wheelchair technology that we have already developed, was born with Cerebral Palsy, and have a passion for engineering and helping others. My disability gives me a unique perspective and approach to problem-solving. I love to use my knowledge and skills to develop products and solutions to help others. I have an in-depth understanding of the challenges that people with disabilities face and the knowledge to help overcome them because I am them.
ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
WHERE TO WATCH POWER MOVES
SCREENING INFO
Coming to a theater near you on or after the film’s release date!
HOST A SCREENING
Want to bring The Power To Move to your community, organization, or university? We would love to work with you!
Hosting a screening is easy:
- Send us an email (Coming soon: Screening Request Form)
- Coordinate a date and format (in-person, hybrid, or virtual)
- Receive a Screening Kit, including promotional materials and discussion guides
- Optional: Invite a member of the MIF team for a live Q&A session
Credits
Executive Producers
Jeff Lyons ● Eron Wolf ● Chris J. Rufer
Written and Directed by:
Emma Rimsa ● Nathaniel Hamilton
The Mobility independence foundation
President & Founder of The MIFThomas Quiter Board Trustee at the MIF & Mother of Thomas Quiter Donna Quiter Vice President, Chief of Research & Development Matt Lacey Chief of Growth & Strategy Jeff Lyons Chief of Operations Tom Pinkhasov Director of Logistics, Engineering Consultant Paul Grindle
RapAdapt Team
President, Rap Adapt
Chief Mechanical Engineer, the MIF Endurance Powerchair Project
Devin Hamilton
RapAdapt Engineering Director
Direct Support Aid for Devin Hamilton
Alex Pena
RYDER
Direct Support Aid for Devin Hamilton
Yolanda Gatsby
FUTO Foundation
Repair Shop Owner, YouTuber, & Right to Repair Activist
Louis Rossmann
Filmmaker, YouTuber, & Communications Director at FUTO Foundation
Peter Mahaffey
Our partners
RapAdapt ● Dassault Systems ● 3D Experience World Expo ● Cliff Medling ● Rochester Institute of Technology ● University of Rochester ● Northeastern University ● Arizona State University ● Purdue University ● The Abilities Expo, Chicago & Dallas ● MARC Network ● Marc Fucarile ● Rare Patient Voice ● Help Hope Live ● United Spinal Association ● Arise Adaptive Makers Space
Full Credits Coming Soon